Former quarterback for the Washington Redskins.
Chosen as one of the 70 greatest Washington Redskins (June 2002).
Played college football at Notre Dame. Pronounced his last name "THEES-man" until his senior year, when Notre Dame's sports information department convinced him to change the pronounciation to rhyme with "Heisman." All that season, they would promote him to sportswriters as "Theismann, as in Heisman!" in hopes that he would win enough votes for the Heisman Trophy.
Drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1971. As a third string quarterback behind Sonny Jurgensen and Billy Kilmer, he was such a good athlete that the Redskins often used him as a punt returner.
NFL career ended in 1985 when linebacker Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants broke his leg on a sack during a nationally-televised "Monday Night Football" game.
Was used as a punt returner at Notre Dame during his sophomore year, then took over at quarterback after seven games when starter Terry Hanratty was injured. Remained Notre Dame's starting quarterback until he graduated.
Finished second to Stanford's Jim Plunkett in the 1970 Heisman Trophy voting.
Still holds Notre dame's single-game record for most passing yards with 526 against USC in 1970.
1982 NFL Man of the Year. Awarded for community service and excellence on the field.
1983 AP NFL MVP.
1983 AP Offensive Player of the Year.
MVP of 1984 Pro Bowl.
Washington Redskins All-Time Passing Yards Leader (25,206).
When he broke up with Cathy Lee Crosby after 7 years, he sued her for half her net worth, leaving her financially ruined.
Tied for 47th with Ken O'Brien on NFL All-Time Passing Attempts List (3,602).
Ranks 42nd on NFL All-Time Pass Completions List (2,044).
Ranks 46th on NFL All-Time Gross Yards Passing List (25,206).
Ranks 51st on NFL All-Time Passing Touchdowns List (160).
Tied with Ed Brown, Daryle Lamonica and Bart Starr at 59th on NFL All-Time Passes Intercepted List (138).
Ranks 23rd on NFL All-Time Times Sacked List (340).
Ranks 16th on NFL All-Time Yards Lost List (2,757).
Ranks 55th on NFL All-Time Passer Rating List (77.37).
Spurred The Miami Dolphins, who drafted his rights, to play for Montreal in the Canadian Football League, and started against Miami in the early 80's when they played the Washington Redskins in the Super Bowl rematch.
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